Germany’s far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining momentum ahead of state elections in Saxony‑Anhalt.
On Wednesday, CNN reported that the AfD held a party congress over the weekend, positioning itself for elections in September that could give the party its first absolute majority in a German state since its founding 13 years ago.
Speaking to about 250 delegates, the party’s lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, outlined what AfD governance could look like in the state.
“We say yes to consistent deportations,” Siegmund said during his address, which was followed by the adoption of a 150‑page manifesto that many have described as radical.
According to a draft of the manifesto, the AfD advocates for what it describes as a complete “180‑degree turn” in migration policy, including deportations and so‑called “remigration,” a term with historical associations to Nazi ideology.
Per his descriptions, Ukrainian refugees who fled Russia’s invasion would be among those affected under the proposal.
AfD support has grown amid persistent anti‑immigration sentiment, particularly following attacks involving migrants in 2024 and 2025, including an incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
The manifesto also includes positions that have raised concerns about ties to Russia.
It calls for lifting sanctions on Moscow and criticizes what it describes as Germany’s anti‑Russian policies amid continued federal government support for Ukraine.
The election is being closely watched across Europe as a test of whether parties critical of Western support for Ukraine translate into electoral success.